Mikia Kalati
MASERU — Likuena coach, Leslie Notši, remains upbeat that his team will be able to compete in the last 2014 World Cup qualifier against Sudan next weekend despite shaky preparations.
The Lesotho national team coach said his intention was to start preparation as early as last month, but had to keep postponing due to lack of funds.
This paper has learned that the premier league clubs had also released their players for Likuena training sessions from Monday, but were called off due to lack of funds at the Lesotho Football Association (Lefa).
Lefa on Thursday said they had only received M321 450 on Wednesday despite countless efforts to get the money early from the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports and Recreation.
“It is a big blow to our preparation, but there is nothing we as the technical team can do and we will go there to raise the flag our country.
“We always have to prepare very well for such matches. Unfortunately the matter was out of our hands but we had to soldier on,” Notši.
He said it was important for the team to maintain the standards of the Cosafa cup where the team reached the semi-finals.
“Personally, I would have liked to win the match to at least end the campaign in third position,” Notši said.
The Lesotho team started the campaign with a 0-7 loss to Ghana blamed on shambolic travel arrangements to the West African country.
Likuena were stuck at the OR Tambo Airport for days and arrived in Kumasi less than four hours to kick-off due to visa problems.
They are at the bottom of group D with only two points having secured two draws against Sudan and Zambia in the home matches.
Notši has kept faith in the squad that played in the Cosafa Cup.
Bokang Mothoana and Mohau Kuenane are the only changes in the team after missing out on the regional tourney due to injuries.
Striker, Tšepo Lekhoana, also rejoins the team as his then club Maluti FET College failed to release the player.
Likuena squad:
Goalkeeper:
Mohau Kuenane, Kholuoe Phasuamane
Defenders:
Moitheri Ntobo, Tlali Maile, Jeremiah Kamele, Thabo Masualle, Basia Mekepe, Nkau Lerotholi, Janefeke Molibeli, Bokang Mothoana.
Midfielders:
Katleho Moleko, Mabuti Potloane, Ralekoti Mokhahlane, Motlalepula Mofolo, Tšoanelo Koetle, Bushy Moletsane Litšepe Marabe.
Strikers:
Thapelo Tale, Tšepo Lekhoana, Lehlomela Ramabele, Tšepo Seturumane.
